Asian Youth Declaration for Habitat II
The United Nations Conference on Human Settlements

We, the Youth of Asia, hereby represented in this Conference of Urban Living and Youth - "Building Our Global Home" , held 9-11 April, 1996 at the International Youth Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, recognize that the youth of our region are confronted with problems caused by rapid urbanization: inadequate shelter, unemployment, child labour, homelessness, crime and violence, drug abuse, alcoholism, disease, environmental contamination, prostitution, erosion of cultural identity and moral value, the disintegration of family and community and educational inequality.

We are deeply concerned with the decline and decay of our cities which have resulted in a dehumanising implosion of deepening alienation, massive poverty, gap between rich and poor and ruthless marginalization of our youth.Therefore, to prevent further deterioration, we feel the dire need to address these issues and seriously examine alternative ways for a more humane, equitable and sustainable lifestyle in order to create a conducive social environment for the coming millennium.

To this end, we strongly urge that the following recommendation be given due emphasis for the betterment of all Youth of Asia:-

1. Increase awareness, appreciation and understanding among the youth as to the effects of urbanization and their role in sustainable development.

2. Involve youth in all levels of decision-making processes of our governments specifically in urban planning and sustainable human development programs and policies with due legislative support.

3. Develop and sustain youth-NGO-GO-private sector linkages in the planning and implementation of local community programs.

4. Encourage our governments to institutionalize multi-sectoral and inter-generational dialogues and consultations with the youth using a bottom-up approach.

5. Inculcate in the youth of our region positive values such as environmental ethics, gender sensitivity, social responsibility, and integrity through the educational system, media, government, NGOS, and the private sector and work towards a universal code of values for the youth.

6. Develop and strengthen the capabilities of marginalized youth and increase their access to credit through sustainable and holistic programs such as youth cooperatives, livelihood projects and entrepreneurial training.

7. Establish a strong regional network of youth organization and develop the necessary information system to facilitate the dissemination of information and the effective transfer of technology and research.

8. Create shelter homes for the marginalized youth such as the homeless and physically challenged and establish sustainable and holistic programs for their re-integration into the community.

9. Establish an Asian Youth Fund to provide financial assistance for programs catering to youth marginalized by rapid urbanization.

On behalf of the Youth of Asia, we envision a region that encompasses equity and sustainability, transcending cultural, ethnic and religious differences, to achieve a future that is both economically and environmentally viable for our people.

To realize this vision, we the Youth of Asia, commit ourselves to the above plan of action and resolve to promote this agenda among our networks and governments in line with the objectives of HABITAT II.

For further information, please contact Salehudin Ghazali, Asian Youth Council, International Youth Centre, Jalan Tenteram, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel: (603) 971-7373 Fax: (603) 971-6700

Back to Main